Africa-Press – Botswana. Ghanzi District leaders and farmers on Friday welcomed Mr Christian Lemcke in style after hoisting the national flag high in the United States when his cow was crowned 2022 Champion of the World Ms Asia cattle competition.
Speaking at the ceremony Member of Parliament for Ghanzi North, Mr Johane Thiite said Mr Lemcke has proved that farming was not a far-fetched dream for those willing to learn and work.
He commended Mr Lemcke for changing the landscape and magnifying the beef industry. “We stand tall, the world, Africa and other district are looking at us,” he said.
He described Mr Lemcke as a national hero, world championship and ambassador for Ghanzi and Botswana.
The MP also said it was time to revolutionise the beef industry by ensuring that farmers got decent returns for their cattle. He added that farming was expensive and a challenging undertaking.
He noted that Mr Lemcke rose from humble beginnings to be a champion and that his success was a lessons to all, adding that he was also a philanthropist of note.
Mr Lemcke had earlier described how he grew up on a farm and how difficult it was to start. “I spent long summers in the thick bush looking after cattle and it was so tough. But you know what, it was worth it,” he said, adding that he and his wife Ada were staying in a very small house without electricity or ceiling.
“I still remember coming back from the farm in the evening, collecting firewood and making our food,” he told the gathering.
He also said he was impressed by the number of people who volunteered to support and grow the beef industry in Texas saying farmers could borrow a leaf from the Americans.
He said it was motivating to see the country’s leaders supporting farmers and that President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi was passionate to learn from farmers all over the world.
Mr Lemcke also advised aspiring farmers to start and develop step by step instead of starting big without any experience.
Kgosi Annah Rankho of Ghanzi said Mr Lemcke’s win was an inspiration to other cattle farmers and that his success would change farmers mindset.
Ghanzi District commissioner, Mr Mooketsi Lesetedi said Mr Lemcke’s win was also a victory for the farming community and that it would help influence authorities to designate Ghanzi as a special economic zone for the beef industry.
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